Gas light with built-in mixing chamber

ABSTRACT

A gas lamp of simplified construction for mounting on a support, such as a wall or the like, by means of a mounting plate. A burner assembly comprises an upstanding reflector plate, a lower venturi plate and an upper venturi plate all joined together, the venturi plates extending substantially horizontally from the reflector plate and together defining a venturi passage. A depending burner nose communicates with the output end of the venturi passage and depends from the lower venturi plate in spaced relation to the reflector for carrying a gas mantle. The upper venturi plate carries a substantially horizontal heat deflector. A metal mesh light diffuser surrounds the burner nose and mantle and extends from the reflector plate. A diffuser holder underlies and supports the light diffuser. Means are provided for removably joining the light diffuser holder and the burner assembly to the mounting plate. A manually actuable gas valve is carried by the mounting plate behind the reflector and is provided with a nozzle which communicates through a notch in the reflector with the input end of the venturi for supplying gas to the burner nose.

United States Patent 91 Loveless GAS LIGHT WITH BUILT-IN MIXING CHAMBER Inventor: Stanley M. Loveless, Oshtemo, Kalamazoo County, Mich.

Assignee: General Gas Light Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.

[22] Filed: July 23, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 165,453

[51] Int. Cl. ..F2ls 13/02, F23d 15/00 [58] Field of Search ..240/11 R, 38; 431/109, 346, 46.51

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,619,820 12/1952 Davis et al ..240/38 2,798,942 7/1957 Mason ...240/46.5l X

3,285,317 11/1966 Hine et al.. ..431/346 3,210,537 10/1965 Groves ..240/38 1,844,187 2/1932 Smith ..431/346 Primary ExaminerSamuel S. Matthews Assistant Examinerl(enneth C. l-lutchison AttorneyWoodhams, Blanchard and Flynn .Fune 5, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT A gas lamp of simplified construction for mounting on a support, such as a wall or the like, by means of a mounting plate. A burner assembly comprises an upstanding reflector plate, a lower venturi plate and an upper venturi plate all joined together, the venturi plates extending substantially horizontally from the reflector plate and together defining a venturi passage.

A depending burner nose communicates with the output end of the venturi passage and depends from the lower venturi plate in spaced relation to the reflector for carrying a gas mantle. The upper venturi plate carries a substantially horizontal heat deflector. A metal mesh light diffuser surrounds the burner nose and mantle and extends from the reflector plate. A diffuser holder underlies and supports the light diffuser. Means are provided for removably joining the light diffuser holder and the burner assembly to the mounting plate. A manually actuable gas valve is carried by the mounting plate behind the reflector and-is provided with a nozzle which communicates through a notch in the reflector with the input end of the venturi for supplying gas to the burner nose.

16 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures GAS LIGHT WITH BUILT-IN MIXING CHAMBER FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a gas light and more particularly relates to a gas lamp of simplified construction capable of mounting on a wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gas lights have long been known and, prior to the common use of electricity, were widely used for domestic and business lighting. In recent years, gas lighting has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity for a number of uses. For example, pole mounted yard and driveway gas lamps have become quite popular and wall mounted gas lamps used, for example, as porch or patio lights are also coming into increasing popularity. It is believed that a reason for the popularity of such lights may be their capability for generating considerable light while running continuously or for long periods of time at a very low operating or fuel cost.

Further, such gas lamps, particularly wall mounted gas lamps, are being used in increasing numbers in mobile shelters including mobile homes, travel and camping trailers, truck mounted campers, motor homes, and so forth. Gas lighting is particularly advantageous either as the sole lighting source or as an auxiliary lighting source for such mobile shelters for several reasons. First, such mobile shelters are generally provided with bottled gas supplies for use in cooking and in some instances heating. Further, such mobile shelters are often used in locations where it is inconvenient to connect to a source of electricity or where no electrical source is available, as when in camping in undeveloped wilderness areas.

However, prior gas lamps, particularly wallmountable gas lamps capable of use in the above applications, have not been wholly satisfactory in use. For example, prior gas lamps of this type have generally been relatively expensive and complex in construction. This is particularly disadvantageous in connection with installation in mobile shelters wherein cost is an important, and indeed may be an overriding, factor in determining whether or not lamps of this general type will be provided in the manufacture of such mobile shelters.

Accordingly, the objects of this invention include provision of:

A gas lamp, particularly of a type mountable on a support such as a wall and capable of developing a strong light by the combustion of a gaseous fuel.

A gas lamp, as aforesaid, adaptable to a wide variety of uses including use as an external light for the home such as a porch or patio light, as well as being usable in connection with mobile shelters such as mobile homes, travel trailers, camping trailers, campers for trucks, motor homes and the like.

A gaslamp, as aforesaid, which is attractive in appearance and will operate effectively and reliably over long periods of use and despite exposure to weather or jolting and vibration.

A gas lamp, as aforesaid, which is of simplified construction and particularly suited to mass production in large numbers at low cost, in which wide use is made of sheet metal stampings which are economically and rapidly produceable in large numbers, in which the number of parts are minimized, in which maximum use is made of rapid single step operations (such as riveting, upsetting, and so forth) for permanent joining of elements, in which minimum use is made of more expensive and less rapidly carried out joining methods (such as use of screws) and in which the use of such latter-mentioned techniques is reserved for parts which are to be demountable as for maintenance purposes.

A gas lamp, as aforesaid, in which the number of parts is minimized by maximization of the number of essential functions carried out by individual parts.

A gas lamp, as aforesaid, in which the venturi passage through which the gas output nozzle communicates with the burner nose is defined by opposed sheet metal stampings which carry out a plurality of further functions including support of the burner nose, support of a heat deflector, and location of a light diffuser and which in addition assists in the location of a reflector.

Other objects and purposes of this invention will be apparent to persons acquainted with apparatus of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a pictorial view of a gas lamp embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partially broken top view of a gas lamp embodying the invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially broken front view of the gas lamp of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line V-V of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line VIVI of FIG. 4 with the gas valve shown in phantom.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line VII-VII of FIG. 4 with the gas valve shown in phantom.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the reflector plate of the gas lamp of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a partially broken, sectional view substantially as taken on the line IX--IX of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XX of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XI-XI of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XII--XII of FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XIIIXIII of FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XIVXIV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XV-XV of FIG. 3.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. The words up", down", right and left" will designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words front" and rear will refer to the left-ward and rightward portions of the device as it is shown in FIG. 4. The words in and out will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include derivatives and words of similar import.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objects and purposes of the invention are met by providing a gas lamp of simplified construction for mounting on a support, such as a wall or the like, by means of a mounting plate. A burner assembly comprises an upstanding reflector plate, a lower venturi plate and an upper venturi plate all joined together, the venturi plates extending substantially horizontally from the reflector plate and defining a venturi passage. A depending burner nose communicates with the output end of the venturi passage and depends from the lower venturi plate in spaced relation to the reflector. The upper venturi plate carries a substantially horizontal heat deflector. A gas mantle depends from the burner nose. A metal mesh light diffuser surrounds the burner nose and mantle and extends from the reflector plate. A diffuser holder underlies the light diffuser. Means are provided for removably joining the light diffuser holder and the burner assembly to the mounting plate. A manually actuable gas valve is carried by the mounting plate behind the reflector and is provided with a nozzle which communicates through a notch in the reflector with the input end of the venturi for supplying gas to the burner nose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the gas lamp comprises a backing or mounting plate 12 mountable on a support such as a wall 13. A burner assembly generally indicated at 15 is releasably mounted, by means hereinafter described, on the backing plate 12 and includes an upstanding reflector plate 17, an upper venturi or burner plate 18, a lower venturi or burner plate 19, a burner nose 21 and conventional mantle 22, as well as a heat deflector plate 23. Of these, the reflector plate 17, upper venturi plate 18 and lower venturi plate 19, together with the heat deflector 23, are preferably preassembled as a permanent burner unit 25 with the burner nose 21 and mantle 22 being releasably connected thereto. The lamp 10 further includes a metal mesh light diffuser 27 and a light diffuser holder 28.

The mounting plate 12, reflector plate 17, upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19, and heat deflector plate 23 and light diffuser holder 28 are each preferably constructed of sheet metal cut and deformed by a stamping operation or operations.

The mounting plate 12 (FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7) comprises a substantially rectangular, planar central portion 31 which in use is normally parallel to and adjacent the upstanding wall 13. Certain features of the mounting plate 12, described below, can be most readily located by reference to a vertical line of symmetry indicated at A, which preferably lies in the central vertical plane of the gas light 10 as defined by cutting line lV-IV of FIG. 2.

Thus, a pair of mounting holes 32 are provided through the central portion 31 and are preferably centered on the line A. Screws 33 (FIG. 4) extend forwardly through the holes 32 for threadedly engaging the body of a conventional, manually operable gas valve 35 and for mounting same on the forward face of the central portion 31 of the mounting plate 12, the gas valve being shown in broken lines in FIGS. 6 and 7 for the sake of clear illustration of the mounting plate 12. The upper, leftward (as seen in FIG. 7) corner of the mounting plate 12 is preferably bent forwardly to define a forwardly extending flange 37 laterally spaced from the valve 35. A hole 38 pierces the flange 37. The shank 39 of a handle 41 (FIGS. 2 and 7) extends through and is rotatably supported in the hole 38 and connects to the valve 35 for opening and closing same. An enlarged opening 42, here rectangular, is provided through the central portion 31 below the valve mounting holes 32 and is preferably centered on the line A for loosely receiving therethrough gas supply means for the valve 35 here comprising an elbow 45 and fitting 46 (FIG. 4), the latter extending loosely through a corresponding opening 47 in the wall 13.

The mounting plate 12 may be secured to the wall 13 by any convenient means. In the preferred embodiment shown, the central portion 31 includes rearwardly deformed bosses 48 (FIG. 7), each provided with a hole 49 for receiving suitable fastening means, such as screws, engageable with the wall 13 for securing the mounting plate 12 thereto. A pair of such bosses 48 are preferably provided adjacent the top and bottom edges of the central portion 31 and are preferably centered on the line A.

The mounting plate 12 further includes a preferably rectangular, forwardly extending flange 51 (FIGS. 4 and 7) at the upper edge of the central portion 31, the flange 51 preferably being centered on the line A. The flange 51 carries at its forward end an upstanding tab 52 for purposes appearing hereinafter.

The mounting plate 12 includes a further but larger forwardly extending flange 54 (FIGS. 4 and 7) at the lower edge of the central portion 31. The flange S4 is preferably centered on the line A. The flange 54 extends forwardly beyond the valve 35. The forward end of the flange 54 carries a depending secondary flange 56 having a central and preferably rearwardly upset hole 57 for purposes appearing hereinafter. A pair of tabs 58 extend forwardly from the flange 54 and beyond and on opposite sides of the secondary flange 56, for purposes appearing hereinafter.

In the particular embodiment shown, an opening 59 is provided in the flange 54 and the adjacent part of the central portion 31 to allow connection to the valve 35, as through a conventional straight fitting, of a gas line surface mounted on the wall 13, if such be used instead of a gas line extending through the opening 47 in the wall, as shown in FIG. 4.

Turning now to the burner assembly 15, the reflector plate 17 (FIGS. 4, 6 and 8) comprises an upstanding, substantially rectangular and planar central portion 62. In the particular embodiment shown, the reflector plate 17 is bilaterally symmetrical and is preferably centered with respect to the cutting plane defined by the line 1VIV of FIG. 2. The upper edge of the central p0rtion 62 is provided with a centered, hemicircular notch 64. A pair of forwardly upset or lipped holes 66 are provided adjacent the upper edge of the central portion 62 and are spaced outboard of the notch 64 for securing the lower venturi plate 19 to the reflector plate 17 in a manner hereinafter described. A pair of substantially triangularly shaped flanges 67- extend rearwardly from the upper edge of the central portion 62 and are spaced on opposite sides of the notch 64. Each of the flanges 67 is provided with an upwardly lipped or upset hole 68 for securing the upper venturi plate 18 to the reflector plate 17 as hereinafter described.

A depending pair of flaps 71 (FIGS. 3, 8 and 14) are upset from the central portion 62 adjacent the lower edge thereof and are preferably vertically aligned with corresponding ones of the holes 66. The free lower edges of the flaps 71 are displaced forwardly from the plane of the central portion 62 for assisting in the securement of the light diffuser holder 28 to the reflector 17 as hereinafter described.

A pair of laterally extended openings 72 (FIGS. 3, 8 and here of rectangular shape, 'are located inwardly of and adjacent the upper edge of the edges of the flaps 71 for receiving the tabs 58 of the mounting plate 12 for assisting in the mounting of the reflector plate 17 on the mounting plate 12.

A hole 74 (FIG. 8) is centered below the notch 74 and vertically located between the bottom edge of the central portion 62 and the notches 72. The hole 74 coaxially aligns with the hole 57 in the secondary flange 56 of the mounting plate 12 when the reflector plate and mounting plate are in assembled condition, again for assisting the relative securement therebetween as hereinafter discussed.

The reflector plate 17 further includes a pair of wings 76 (FIGS. 6 and 8) disposed on opposite sides of the central portion 62 and preferably integrally connected to the opposite side edges thereof. The wings 76 extend vertically from the lower edge of the central portion 62 upwardly past the upper edge thereof and, as seen from above, are of substantially U-shaped cross section. Thus, each such wing 76 comprises an inner wall 77 which extends forwardly from the corresponding side edge of the central portion 62, a laterally extending right wall 78 and a rearwardly and outwardly angled outer wall 79. The outer walls 79 are substantially longer than the inner walls 77, so as to lie closely adjacent or contact the support wall 13 (FIG. 4) when the reflector plate 17 is in its normally assembled relationship with the mounting plate 12 and the latter is mounted on the support wall 13. The wings 76 have a decorative or aesthetic function in hiding the contents of the chamber between the spaced opposed central portions of the reflector and mounting plates. The wings 76 also tend to reduce or prevent lateral air currents through said chamber while allowing substantially vertical air movement upwardly into, such chamber and into the region of the valve 35.

A substantially L-shaped notch 81 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 8) is provided in the rearward edge of the wall 79 of the leftward wing 76 for receiving the shank of the manually actuable valve handle 41. The notch 81 opens through the rearward edge of the wall 79 to enable the reflector plate to be removed from the mounting plate 12 without interference with such removal by the handle 41.

The upper end of the inner wall 77 of each of the wings 76 is preferably rearwardly and downwardly tapered as indicated at 82 (FIG. 9) in order to clear the rearward portion of the heat deflector 23.

Turning now to the burner unit 25, the upper venturi plate 18 (FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 11 and 12) includes a central portion 86 which in the assembled condition of the lamp 10 extends forwardly and preferably horizontally from the support wall 13. The central portion 86 is bounded by a preferably linear (as seen from the top) rearward edge adapted to lie in close spaced relation with the support wall 13. The rearward part of the central portion 86 overlies the flanges 67 of the reflector plate 17 and is provided with a pair of openings 87 (FIG. 9) spaced from the rearward edge thereof through which upwardly received the lips 88 defining the openings 68 of the reflector plate flanges 67. The lips 88 are in the assembled condition of the burner assembly l5 upset over the upper face of the upper venturi plate to securely fix the upper venturi plate to the reflector plate 17 in forwardly cantilevered relation thereto.

As seen in FIG. 2, the opposite side edges 91 of the central portion 86 of the upper venturi plate 18 extends forwardly from the rearward edge thereof to a location above the central portion of the reflector plate 17, and then continue forwardly, in a converging manner, to a location well spaced forwardly from the wings 76. The forward edge 92 of the central portion 86 of the upper venturi plate 18 is semicircularly rounded about a vertical central axis indicated at B and lying in the cutting plane defined by the line IVIV of FIG. 2. The converging portions of the side edges 91 are tangent to the rounded forward edge 92.

The central portion 86 of the upper venturi plate 18, except for the rearward edge thereof, is bounded by an upstanding and preferably integral flange or peripheral wall 94 (FIGS. 2-4). The forwardmost portion 95 of the peripheral wall 94 is of reduced height to prevent or reduce obstruction to heated air flow forwardly from the space above the upper venturi plate 18.

The central portion 86 of the upper venturi plate 18 has a raised, or inverted trough-like, portion 97 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 11) which extends from the rearward edge thereof forwardly along the central axis thereof to a point forward of the point B. The trough-like portion 97 defines the upper half of a gas flow or venturi passage 98 which extends from the valve 35 to the burner nose 21.

The downwardly opening trough 97 includes a rearward or input zone 100 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 12) which covers the valve 35 and extends forwardly therefrom, a venturi zone 102 forwardly of the input zone 100 and finally an output zone 103 forwardly of the venturi zone 102.

The input zone is preferably of constant rectangular cross section having a top wall 104 mnd side walls 106. The input zone 100 of the trough surrounds the upper portion of the valve 35 and snugly overlies the top thereof. The top wall 104 thereof also overlies the upper flange 51 of the mounting plate 12 and is provided with a rectangular opening 107 (FIG. 2) adjacent the rearward edge thereof for receiving upwardly therethrough the tab 52, the tab 52 normally lying, in its installed condition, against the rear edge of the opening 107 for preventing forward movement of the upper venturi plate with respect to the mounting plate 12. The side walls 104 extend forwardly to a point 108 (FIG. 4) intermediate the valve 35 and the central portion of the reflector plate 17, the top wall 104 extend ing further forwardly to a point 109 spaced somewhat forwardly of the plane of the central portion of the reflector plate 17. At such points, the side walls 106 begin to converge forwardly and the top wall 104 begins to slope relatively sharply downwardly toward the neck or narrow point 111 (FIGS. 4 and 12) of the venturi zone 102, the cross section of the trough 97 simultaneously changing from a rectangular cross section at the input zone 100 to a semi-circular cross section at the neck 111 of the venturi.

The side walls 106 of the trough 97 diverge forwardly at a shallow angle and top wall 104 slopes upwardly and forwardly at a shallow angle from the neck 111 toward the output zone 103. The cross section of the trough gradually reverts from hemi-circular to rectangular forwardly of the neck 111.

The side walls 106 curve smoothly outwardly and forwardly from the forward end of the venturi zone 102 and then inwardly into joinder with each other to define a preferably circular peripheral wall for the output zone 103 (FIGS. 2 and 11). The circular output zone 103 is centered on the axis B of FIG. 2 and is provided with a central opening 112 in the top wall 104 thereof for purposes appearing hereinafter.

A plurality of enlarged holes 114 (FIG. 2) extend through the central portion 86 of the upper venturi plate 18. The holes 114 are relatively closely spaced to each other and are disposed between the peripheral wall 94 and the trough 97, the arrangement of the holes 114 following approximately the shape of the trough 97 as seen from the top thereof, such holes 114 extending from a point forward of the trough 97 rearwardly on both sides thereof to points adjacent the rearward edge of the upper venturi plate 18. The holes 114 exhaust heated air from the region of the burner nose 21 and mantle 22 and as discussed hereinbelow, cooperate in the mutual securement of the upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19 and the sealing of the horizontal planar interface therebetween so as to seal the sides of the venturi passage 98.

The lower venturi plate 19 (FIGS. 4, 6, 11 and 12) has a substantially planar central portion 117 (FIGS. 6 and 11) which in the assembled condition of the lamp lies substantially horizontally and faces in close and continuous contact the central portion 86 of the upper venturi plate 18. The side and forward peripheral out line of the central portion 117 preferably is identical to the corresponding peripheral outline of the upper venturi plate 18 forward of the reflector plate 17. Thus, the side edges 118 (FIG. 6) of the central portion 117 taper gradually forwardly and are tangent with the semicircular front edge 119 of the central portion 117.

A preferably integral peripheral flange 121 (FIGS. 3 and 11) depends from the side and front edges 118 and 119 of the central portion 117 for purposes appearing hereinafter. The flange 121 is preferably of uniform height corresponding to the maximum height of the corresponding peripheral wall 94 of the upper venturi plate 18.

The rearward edge 122 (FIG. 6) of the central portion 117 of the lower venturi plate is adapted to lie snugly against the forward face of the central portion of the reflector plate 17, such rearward edge 122 being provided with a depending flange 123 (FIGS. 9 and 12) adapted to lie snugly against the forward face of the central portion of the reflector plate 117. The rear flange 123 is provided with a pair of holes 124 spaced outboard of the central axis of the lower venturi plate 19. In the assembled condition of the lamp 10, the forwardly upset edges 126 defining the holes 66 in the central portion of the reflector plate 17 extend forwardly through the holes 124 of the lower venturi plate 19 and are deformed outwardly thereover for securing the rear flange 123 of the lower venturi plate 19 to the central portion of the reflector plate 17.

The lower venturi plate 19 has an upwardly opening trough 128 (FIGS. 4, 6, 11 and 12) formed therein, preferably by depression of the central portion 117 in an area surrounding the axis B and extending rearwardly therefrom to the rear edge 122. The trough 128 forms the lower half of the venturi passage 98 and is generally similar, except to the extent hereinafter discussed, in shape to the trough 97 of the upper venturi plate 18. Because of the lesser length of the venturi plate 19, the upwardly opening trough 128 thereof does not include a portion corresponding to the rearward or input zone of the trough 97. Rather, the trough 128 includes only a venturi zone 129 and an output zone 130 spaced forwardly of the venturi zone 129.

The trough 128 is of hemi-circular cross section at the rearward edge thereof and such cross section continues at a diminishing radius to a venturi neck 131 intermediate the ends of the venturi zone 128 and in opposition to the venturi neck 111 of the trough 97 aligned thereabove for defining the rearward end of the venturi zone 129. The opposed side edges of the venturi zones 102 and 128 of the troughs in the upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19 are preferably substantially coextensive. The open rearward end of the trough 128 preferably corresponds in size and shape to, and is preferably coaxially aligned with, the hemi-circular notch 64 of the reflector plate 17 to allow unimpeded flow of fuel-air mixture from the region of the valve 35 into the venturi passage 98.

The forward end of the venturi zone 129 of the trough 128 extends forwardly with a gradually enlarging cross section which changes from a hemi-circular shape to a rectangular shape, the length of such forward portion of the venturi zone 129 being slightly less than the opposed and corresponding forward portion of the venturi zone 102 of the upper venturi plate 18. The forward end of the venturi zone 129 joins the rearward part of the output zone 130 of the trough 128.

The output zone 130 is preferably circular as seen from the top thereof and is coaxial with the corresponding output zone 103 of the upper venturi plate 18 but is preferably of somewhat greater radius. The bottom wall 133 of the output zone 130 is preferably provided with an enlarged opening 136 that is coaxial therewith and with the axis B. The opening 136 preferably has an upwardly upset or lipped edge of varied elevation for defining a single screw thread for purposes appearing hereinafter.

Thus, the upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19 when assembled in facing relation as seen in FIGS. 4, l1 and 12, define a passage, the venturi passage 98, extending forwardly from the upper end of the valve 35, incorporating a venturi intermediate the ends thereof, and terminating in the downwardly opening hole 136.

The central portion 117 of the lower venturi plate 19 is provided with a plurality of holes 138 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 6) corresponding to the holes 114 in the overlying portion of the upper venturi plate 1 18. The holes 138 have upwardly lipped edges 139 which extend upwardly and snugly through the corresponding holes 114 of the upper venturi plate 18 and in assembling the upper and lower venturi plates together, are deformed to overlie the adjacent central portion 86 of the upper venturi plate 18 thereby to firmly secure together the upper and lower venturi plates. The resulting snug securement of the opposed faces of the venturi plates 18 and 19 together tends to prevent leakage from the venturi passage 98 laterally outwardly along the interface therebetween. The coaxial holes 138 and 114 also vent heated air rising from the mantle 122 to the area between the upper venturi plate 18 and heat deflector 23.

The resulting rigid interconnection of the upper and lower venturi plates also enhances the rigidity of the lamp as a whole. More particularly, the attachment of the rearward portion of the upper venturi plate 18 to the tab 52 on the mounting plate 12 and the connection of the upper and lower venturi plates to the reflector plate 17 at 88 and 126 (FIG. 9) allows the interconnected upper and lower venturi plates to be cantilevered a substantial distance forwardly from the reflector and mounting plates 12 and 17 while still being rigidly located with respect thereto. Further, the rigid, though releasable interconnection of the upper ends of the reflector and mounting plates 17 and 12, respectively, is achieved through the aforementioned connection of the upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19 to each thereof.

With the upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19 thus assembled together and to the reflector and mounting plates 17 and 12, respectively, the central axis of the venturi passage 98 is substantially coaxially aligned with a nozzle 142 (FIGS. 4 and 6) which defines the gas output of the valve 35. The nozzle 142 is preferably provided with an elongate output passage 143 (FIG. 6) of restricted cross section for causing gas flow out of the valve to take the form of a narrow cross section jet aimed centrally into the venturi passage 98.

The burner nose 21 (FIGS. 3 and 4) has an axially spaced pair of radially extended flanges 145 and 146. The upper end 147 of the burner nose is threaded above the flange 145 for threaded engagement with the opening 136 in the lower venturi plate 19. An asbestos seal 149 is preferably imposed between the lower venturi plate 19 and the flange 145. The lower flange 146 is grooved at 151 for receiving the upper end of the mantle 22 with a suitable holding device, such as a tied string 152 of material similar to that of the mantle 22, overlying the portion of the mantle 22 in the groove 151 for holding the mantle 22 in depending relation on the burner nose 21. The burner nose 21 has a central bore 154 which extends coaxially downwardly therethrough, decreasing in diameter toward the lower end thereof whereat it communicates with the interior of the mantle 22. The bore 154 is outwardly radially stepped at 156 for supporting a screen 157 within the burner nose and adjacent the upper end of the bore 154. The screen 157 serves as a flame arrester and prevents flash back.

In this manner, the burner nose 21 is supported in dependent relation from the lower venturi plate 19 so that the bore 154 and hence the interior of the mantle 22 are in communication with the output end of the venturi passage 98.

The heat deflector 23 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 11) has a substantially planar, preferably horizontally disposed forward portion 160 which overlies in spaced relation, and extends laterally beyond, the upper burner plate 18 in the forward and sideward directions. The forward edge 161 of the forward portion 160 is preferably rounded, preferably on a radius centered on the axis B. The side edges 162 of the forward portion 160 extend somewhat divergently rearwardly in tangency to the forward edge 161.

A substantially hemi-sphericaldepression 164 is provided in the forward portion 160 coaxial with axis B. The bottom of the depression 164 has a central opening coaxial with the hole 112 in the upper venturi plate 18. The depression 164 rests atop the output zone 103 of the trough 97 and suitable fastening means, here a rivet 165, extends through the opening 112 and coaxial opening in the depression 164 to fix the heat deflector 23 rigidly atop the upper venturi plate 18.

The rearward portion 168 (FIGS. 2, 5, 9, l0 and 12) of the heat deflector 23 smoothly curves downwardly and rearwardly from a point above the forward edges of the wings 76, preferably into abutting relation with the rearward portion of the upper venturi plate 18. A notch 166 centrally located in the rear edge of the heat deflector 23 prevents interference between the heat deflector and the trough 97 of the upper venturi plate 18.

A pair of depending substantially L-shaped tabs 167 depend from and extend rearwardly from the rear edge of the heat deflector 23 and as seen in FIG. 10 are insertable downwardly into the rearwardmost ones of the openings 114 in the upper venturi plate 18 for underlying engagement with the rearward edges thereof, such engagement tending to maintain the rearward portion of the heat deflector in its downwardly curved condition shown for deflecting heat rising through the rearwardmost holes 114 forwardly and away from the supporting wall 13. Outboard of the tabs 167 are provided a pair of forwardly extending and relatively narrow notches 169 into which are received the upper edges of the rearward portion of the upstanding peripheral wall 94 of the upper venturi plate 18 for preventing unintended pivotal movement of the heat deflector 23 about the rivet 165.

The rearward portion of the heat deflector 23 curves downwardly between, and its edges lie closely adjacent to, the outer walls 79 of the reflector plate wings 76 to prevent leakage of heated air and combustion products sidewardly from under the rearward portion of the heat deflector 23.

The diffuser holder (FIGS. 3, 4 and 13) 28 is substantially D-shaped, having an open central portion 171 defined by a peripheral, D-shaped and upwardly opening channel 172. The channel 172 has a linear rear section 174, a semi-circularly curved forward section 175 and tangential and rearwardly divergent side sections 176 for joining the forward section 175 to the rear section 174. The diffuser holder 28 is preferably bilaterally symmetrical about the plane defined by the cutting line IV-IV of FIG. 2, the periphery thereof preferably corresponding closely in size and shape to the periphery of the lower venturi plate 19. The channel 172 is defined by an outer upstanding peripheral wall 178 which preferably directly underlies the peripheral wall 121 of the lower venturi plate 19. The peripheral wall 178 extends fully around the perimeter of the diffuser holder 28 and is of constant height except for a preferably raised portion 179 (FIGS. 3 and 14) in the rearward section 174. This raised portion 179 is adapted to be insertable at its upper edge between the depending flaps 71 and the remainder of the wall of the central portion of the reflector plate 77 for assisting in securing the diffuser holder to the reflector plate 17. The upstanding raised portion 179 has a central opening through which is receivable a screw 181 (FIGS. 3 and 4), which screw also extends through the coaxial openings 74 and 57 in the reflector plate 17 and mounting plate 12, respectively, such screw threadedly engaging at least the mounting plate 12 for releasably holding together the overlapped portions of the diffuser holder 28, reflector plate 17 and the mounting plate 12.

The channel 172 also has an upstanding inner peripheral wall 183 joined at its bottom edge to the bottom edge of the outer peripheral wall 178 by a bight wall 184. The inner peripheral wall 183 is preferably less tall than the outer peripheral wall 178 and is preferably provided with a cutaway portion 185 which also extends into the bight wall 184 adjacent the screw 181 to facilitate access to said screw for installation and removal. 1

The light diffuser 27, preferably an expanded metal sheet, or as alternatives, a perforated metal or other metal mesh sheet, is substantially U-shaped as seen from the top and is supported on and within the channel 178, the upper edge of the diffuser sheet 27 lying just inside the peripheral wall 121 of the lower venturi plate 19. Thus, the diffuser screen 27 is curved around the front of the burner nose 21 and diverges rearwardly to a location preferably closely adjacent the central portion 62 of the reflector plate 17, between the wings 77 thereof. The diffuser 27 provides a wind and breakage guard for the mantle 22 as well as light diffusion. The open central portion 171 of the light diffuser holder 28 allows ready access from beneath to the mantle 22 for ignition.

Expanded metal type light diffusers have in fact been found quite satisfactory in use, for example, in protecting the mantle from breakage from wind, contact with moving solid objects, etc. Satisfactory light transmission is obtained by judicious selection of the relative open and closed areas of the sheet. In addition, expanded metal light diffusers significantly reduce the cost of manufacture of the lamp. If desired, light diffusers of types other than the expanded metal sheet disclosed may be utilized. Thus, although same are deemed less desirable, for example, as being more costly, it is contemplated that translucent or transparent, nonperforate diffusers of curved glass, mica or heat resistant plastic may be utilized.

OPERATION Although the operation of the device described above will be understood from the foregoing descrip tion by skilled persons, a summary of such description is now given for convenience.

The major parts of the lamp are readily, rapidly and inexpensively constructed from sheet metal by a simple stamping operations, such parts including the mounting plate 12, reflector plate 17, upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19, heat deflector 23, diffuser holder 28 and diffuser screen 27. Thus, the only major parts which are otherwise constructed, in the preferred embodiment shown, are the valve 35 and burner nose 21.

The assembly of the burner assembly 15, more particularly the reflector plate 17, upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19, and heat deflector plate 23, is rapidly carried out on a mass production basis by suitable metal deforming operations. More particularly, assembly of the burner unit 25 is carried out by abutting the upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19, as shown in FIG. 4, and with the hole edges 139 of the lower venturi plate 19 protruding upwardly into the holes 114 of the upper venturi plate 18 so that outward deformation of the edges 139 rigidly secures the two venturi plates together. Thereafter, the thus connected upper and lower venturi plates 18 and 19 can be secured to the reflector plate 17 by similarly inserting the hole edges 88 and 126 of the reflector plate 17 into the respective holes 87 and 124 of the upper and lower venturi plates and thereafter outwardly deforming the hole edges 88 and 126. Thus, the burner assembly 25 is cantilevered from and rigidly connected to the reflector plate 17.

Although the preferred method of assembly has been indicated above, it is contemplated the lipped holes 138, 66 and 68, and if desired in addition the corresponding receiving holes 114, 124 and 87, may be formed simultaneously with the assembling of the venturi plates and reflector plate, by suitable punching operations.

Thereafter, the heat deflector 23 may be installed on the upper venturi plate 18 by insertion of the tabs 167 into the rearwardmost of the holes 1 14 and securement of the depression 164 atop the trough 97 by the rivet 165. Thereafter, threading of the upper end of the burner nose 21 into the opening 136 in the lower venturi plate 19 completes the assembly of the burner assembly 25.

Although a preferred order of assembly steps has been given above for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that the order of assembly of parts may be varied as desired.

The valve 35 is fixed to the mounting plate 12 by the screws 33 after passing the handle 41 leftwardly through the hole 38 in mounting plate flange 37. Thereafter, the central portion of the mounting plate 12 is fixed to the wall 13 by any convenient means such as screws (not shown) inserted through the openings 49 in the bosses 48. The gas supply (not shown) is connected to the valve 35 through conventional means such as the elbow 45 and fitting 46.

The burner assembly 25 is secured to the now fixed mounting plate 12 by downward movement theretoward, whereby the opening 107 in the upper venturi plate 18 receives the tab 52 of the mounting plate 12 therethrough and the rearward central portion of the upper venturi plate 18 rests upon the upper flange 51 of the mounting plate 12. The weight of the burner assembly 25 tends to pivot the forward end thereof downwardly, in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 4, to bring the lower portion of the reflector plate 17 against the lower secondary flange 56 of the mounting plate 12, with the mounting plate tabs 58 being received through the holes 72 in the central portion of the reflector plate 17. If desired, the mantle may be installed at this point.

Thereafter, the diffuser sheet 27 is moved rearwardly and upwardly into its position shown in FIG. 4, so that its upper edge lies within the peripheral wall 121 of the lower venturi plate 19. The diffuser holder 28 is then moved upwardly into gripped engagement by the flaps 71 of the reflector plate 17, that is, into its position shown in FIG. 4. The screw 181 is then inserted through the coaxial holes in the diffuser holder 28, reflector plate 17 and mounting plate 12, the screw preferably being threadedly engaged with the secondary flange 56 to complete assembly of the lamp 10.

In use, the handle 41 is rotated to cause gas to flow through the valve 35 and out the nozzle 142 through the venturi passage 98 and burner nose 21 and into the mantle 22. A suitable ignition source, such as a lighted match, may then be inserted upwardly through the open central portion of the diffuser holder 28 into adjacency with the mantle 22 to ignite such gas.

Gas flows from the nozzle 142 in a narrow, rapidly moving stream into the rearward or input end of the venturi passage 98 drawing along with it air from the chamber defined between the reflector plate 17 and mounting plate 12. Further air enters such chamber by moving upwardly along the wall 13 between the outer walls 79 of the wings 76 and then passing upwardly through the opening 59 or past the side edges of the mounting plate 12 into the area adjacent the nozzle 142. Fuel and air mix and move with increased velocity through the neck portion 111, 131 of the venturi passage 98 creating a low pressure in this area, and then pass into the burner nose 121. In view of the flow pattern above-discussed, any tendency for gas flowing from the nozzle 142 to escape from the lamp 10, other than into the mantle 22 for combustion, is minimized or eliminated.

The mantle 22 may be replaced as the need arises by a reversal of the above-mentioned assembly process. Access may be had to the valve 35 for maintenance purposes, should the need arise, simply by a release of the screw 181 and a clockwise pivoting and lifting movement of the remainder of the lamp from the mounting plate 12.

Although the lamp 10 is here shown for purposes of illustration to be mounted upon a substantially flat support wall 13, it will be understood that such lamp may be mounted on any of a variety of other support means, for example a pole or in a corner between two walls. In the latter instance, it may be desirable to provide a suitable mounting bracket (not shown) for mounting on the two such adjacent walls and providing a substantially flat mounting surface spaced from the corner defined thereby, in substitution for the flat surface of the support wall 13 shown in FIG. 4.

In use, the expanded metal light diffuser 27 has been found particularly advantageous, in comparison to transparent imperforate materials such as glass or mica, in view of its substantially lower cost, lighter weight, as well as in its durability in use. As to the latter, glass and mica light diffusers are fragile and readily broken whereas the preferred expanded metal light diffuser is not.

Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a lamp construction capable of producing light by combustion of a fuel-air mixture, the combination comprising:

mounting means for attachment to a support and means for supporting a gas valve and nozzle thereon;

platelike means extending forwardly from said mounting means and defining a passage and reflector means extending transversely of said platelike means in front of said mounting means, said passage being aligned with and extending forwardly from said nozzle, said platelike means and reflector means defining a unit removably cantilevered on said mounting means;

burner means pendent from said platelike means for I supporting a mantle and in communication with said passage forwardly of said nozzle and reflector means;

whereby the gaseous fuel supplied by said nozzle and air flow through the passage into said burner means for supporting light-producing combustion within said mantle.

2. The device of claim 1 in which said platelike means defining said passage comprises a pair of substantially horizontal, opposed platelike elements, said platelike elements having opposed, spaced portions for defining said passage, said platelike elements further having abutting portions extending sidewardly and forwardly of said spaced portions and burner means and means for joining said abutting portions for holding said two platelike elements rigidly together and for substantially sealing the sides of said passage against leakage laterally outwardly therefrom.

3. The device of claim 2, in which said spaced opposed portions vary in cross section to define a venturi in said passage and including means for joining said plate-like elements to said reflector means so that said passage extends in cantilevered relationship outwardly from said reflector means and further including means coacting between one of said plate-like elements and said mounting means for assisting the support of said plate-like elements and reflector means on said mounting means.

4. The device of claim 2 in which said means for securing together said abutting portions of said plate-like elements includes means defining coaxial holes through said plate-like elements, said holes being distributed in spaced relation around said passage and providing an outlet from said lamp for air heated in the region of said burner means.

5. The device of claim 4 including a heat deflector overlying said plate-like elements and configured for deflecting said heated air flowing through said openings laterally and in a direction away from said mounting means and from the input end of said passage.

6. The device of claim 2 including a perforated light diffuser sheet, said diffuser sheet and reflector means defining circumferentially arranged segments of a peripheral wall substantially surrounding said burner means and lying adjacent at least one of said platelike elements.

7. The device of claim 1 in which said platelike means include flange-like portions which extend substantially forwardly and sidewardly from said passage and are perforated, and including a heat deflector carried by said platelike means in spaced overlying relation for deflecting heated gases rising through such perforations.

8. In a gas lamp, the combination comprising:

opposed substantially horizontal first and second plates having forward and rearward edges, at least one of said plates having a substantially centrally disposed and substantially opposed troughlike depression therein, said depression extending substantially from said rearward edges to points spaced from said forward edges, said depression defining a passage, said plates having opposed abutting portions extending substantially symmetrically from the sides and forward end of said depression, a plane defined by the inner faces of said abutting portions passing across said passage and being spaced from the opposed wall of said troughlike depression;

means for securing said first and second plates together;

means for mounting said first and second plates;

a gas supply and burner means for supporting a light emitting mantle spaced along said passage and in communication with each other through said passage, said burner means extending transversely from one of said plates adjacent the forward end of said passage, a reflector and a diffuser extending transversely from said plates adjacent the edges of said plates and in surrounding relation to said burner means,said plates and reflector and diffuser defining a zone for housing said burner means and such a mantle supported thereby.

9. The device of claim 8 in which said means for securing said first and second plates together comprises means defining a plurality of pairs of coaxial interfitted openings through said first and second plates wherein the portions of said plates bounding openings of a given pair mechanically interlock, said openings being provided in said abutting portions in spaced relation to said depressions.

10. The device of claim 9 in which each of said plates have said depressions, said depressions being opposed and including means for mounting said burner means on one of said depressions adjacent the forward end of said passage in a substantially centralized location with respect to said interfitted openings for allowing heated air and combustion products to be vented from the region of said burner means through said interfitted openings.

11. In a gas lamp, the combination comprising:

opposed first and second plates having forward and rearward edges, said plates each having substantially centrally disposed and substantially opposed troughlike and oppositely extending depressions therein, said depressions extending substantially from said rearward edges to points spaced from said forward edges, said depressions together defining a passage, said plates having opposed abutting portions along the sides and forward ends of said depressions, a plane defined by the inner face of said abutting portions passing across said passage and being spaced from the opposed walls of said troughlike depressions, the rearward edge of said first plate being displaced rearwardly from the rear edge of the second plate;

means for securing said first and second plates together;

means for mounting said first and second plates;

a gas supply and burner means spaced along said passage and in communication with each other through said passage;

reflector plate means adjacent the rearward edge of said second plate and extending transversely away from said first plate and beyond said second plate and means securing said reflector plate means to at least one of said first and second plates.

12. The device of claim 11 in which said reflector plate means defines with said mounting means a chamber disposed to the rear of said second plate and communicating with said passage, said chamber housing said gas supply for communication through said pas sage with said burner means, said reflector plate means having upstanding wings disposed on opposite sides of said chamber for shielding the sides of said chamber.

13. The device of claim 12, including a plate-like heat deflector spaced above said first plate, said first and second plates having openings therethrough for venting heat from said burner means, said heat deflector deflecting said heated air flow in a forward direction, said heat deflector having a downturned rearward portion interposed between said wings on said reflector plate means and including means engageable with said first plate adjacent the rearward edge thereof for preventing upward and lateral movement of said rearward edge of said heat deflector, means for connecting said heat deflector and said first plate means adjacent the forward end of said passage, said burner means being secured to said second plate in communication with said passage adjacent the forward end thereof and in substantial opposition to said last named connecting means, said burner means depending from said second plate in forwardly spaced relation to said reflector plate means.

14. The device of claim 11 in which said mounting means comprises an upstanding plate disposed rearwardly of said first plate and having a flange along the upper edge thereof underlying the rearward portion of said first plate and removably fixed thereto, said upstanding mounting plate including a further forwardly extending flange spaced below said first and second plate and means for releasably securing the forward portion thereof to said reflector plate means whereby said mounting plate means releasably carries in forwardly extending cantilever relationship therewith said first and second plate and in forwardly spaced relationship therefrom carries said reflector plate means.

15. The device of claim 14 including a diffuser holder cantilevered forwardly from said reflector plate means adjacent the lower end thereof and defining an upwardly opening channel-like annulus spaced below said second plate and having an open central portion disposed below said burner means and a diffuser sheet defining said diffuser carried by said diffuser holder in surrounding spaced relation with said burner means and extending upwardly into laterally supported relationship with said second plate, said diffuser sheet being of suitable material and configured for allowing at least a portion of the light provided by said burner means to escape therethrough.

16. The device of claim 15 in which portions of said diffuser holder, reflector plate means and mounting plate overlap and including means for releasably securing same together to provide cantilevered support for said diffuser holder with respect to said reflecting plate means and for preventing pivotal movement of said reflector plate means and first and second plates with respect to said mounting plate.

i l I! 0 

1. In a lamp construction capable of producing light by combustion of a fuel-air mixture, the combination comprising: mounting means for attachment to a support and means for supporting a gas valve and nozzle thereon; platelike means extending forwardly from said mounting means and defining a passage and reflector means extending transversely of said platelike means in front of said mounting means, said passage being aligned with and extending forwardly from said nozzle, said platelike means and reflector means defining a unit removably cantilevered on said mounting means; burner means pendent from said platelike means for supporting a mantle and in communication with said passage forwardly of said nozzle and reflector means; whereby the gaseous fuel supplied by said nozzle and air flow through the passage into said burner means for supporting light-producing combustion within said mantle.
 2. The device of claim 1 in which said platelike means defining said passage comprises a pair of substantially horizontal, opposed platelike elements, said platelike elements having opposed, spaced portions for defining said passage, said platelike elements further having abutting portions extending sidewardly and forwardly of said spaced portions and burner means and means for joining said abutting portions for holding said two platelike elements rigidly together and for substantially sealing the sides of said passage against leakage laterally outwardly therefrom.
 3. The device of claim 2, in which said spaced opposed portions vary in cross section to define a venturi in said passage and including means for joining said plate-like elements to said reflector means so that said passage extends in cantilevered relationship outwardly from said reflector means and further including means coacting between one of said plate-like elements and said mounting means for assisting the support of said plate-like elements and reflector means on said mounting means.
 4. The device of claim 2 in which said means for securing together said abutting portions of said plate-like elements includes means defining coaxial holes through said plate-like elements, said holes being distributed in spaced relation around said passage and providing an outlet from said lamp for air heated in the region of said burner means.
 5. The device of claim 4 including a heat deflector overlying said plate-like elements and configured for deflecting said heated air flowing through said openings laterally and in a direction away from said mounting means and from the input end of said passage.
 6. The device of claim 2 including a perforated light diffuser sheet, said diffuser sheet and reflector means defining circumferentially arranged segments of a peripheral wall substantially surrounding said burner means and lying adjacent at least one of said platelike elements.
 7. The deviCe of claim 1 in which said platelike means include flange-like portions which extend substantially forwardly and sidewardly from said passage and are perforated, and including a heat deflector carried by said platelike means in spaced overlying relation for deflecting heated gases rising through such perforations.
 8. In a gas lamp, the combination comprising: opposed substantially horizontal first and second plates having forward and rearward edges, at least one of said plates having a substantially centrally disposed and substantially opposed troughlike depression therein, said depression extending substantially from said rearward edges to points spaced from said forward edges, said depression defining a passage, said plates having opposed abutting portions extending substantially symmetrically from the sides and forward end of said depression, a plane defined by the inner faces of said abutting portions passing across said passage and being spaced from the opposed wall of said troughlike depression; means for securing said first and second plates together; means for mounting said first and second plates; a gas supply and burner means for supporting a light emitting mantle spaced along said passage and in communication with each other through said passage, said burner means extending transversely from one of said plates adjacent the forward end of said passage, a reflector and a diffuser extending transversely from said plates adjacent the edges of said plates and in surrounding relation to said burner means,said plates and reflector and diffuser defining a zone for housing said burner means and such a mantle supported thereby.
 9. The device of claim 8 in which said means for securing said first and second plates together comprises means defining a plurality of pairs of coaxial interfitted openings through said first and second plates wherein the portions of said plates bounding openings of a given pair mechanically interlock, said openings being provided in said abutting portions in spaced relation to said depressions.
 10. The device of claim 9 in which each of said plates have said depressions, said depressions being opposed and including means for mounting said burner means on one of said depressions adjacent the forward end of said passage in a substantially centralized location with respect to said interfitted openings for allowing heated air and combustion products to be vented from the region of said burner means through said interfitted openings.
 11. In a gas lamp, the combination comprising: opposed first and second plates having forward and rearward edges, said plates each having substantially centrally disposed and substantially opposed troughlike and oppositely extending depressions therein, said depressions extending substantially from said rearward edges to points spaced from said forward edges, said depressions together defining a passage, said plates having opposed abutting portions along the sides and forward ends of said depressions, a plane defined by the inner face of said abutting portions passing across said passage and being spaced from the opposed walls of said troughlike depressions, the rearward edge of said first plate being displaced rearwardly from the rear edge of the second plate; means for securing said first and second plates together; means for mounting said first and second plates; a gas supply and burner means spaced along said passage and in communication with each other through said passage; reflector plate means adjacent the rearward edge of said second plate and extending transversely away from said first plate and beyond said second plate and means securing said reflector plate means to at least one of said first and second plates.
 12. The device of claim 11 in which said reflector plate means defines with said mounting means a chamber disposed to the rear of said second plate and communicating with said passage, said chamber housing said gas supply for communication through said passage with said burner means, said reflector plate means having upstanding wings disposed on opposite sides of said chamber for shielding the sides of said chamber.
 13. The device of claim 12, including a plate-like heat deflector spaced above said first plate, said first and second plates having openings therethrough for venting heat from said burner means, said heat deflector deflecting said heated air flow in a forward direction, said heat deflector having a downturned rearward portion interposed between said wings on said reflector plate means and including means engageable with said first plate adjacent the rearward edge thereof for preventing upward and lateral movement of said rearward edge of said heat deflector, means for connecting said heat deflector and said first plate means adjacent the forward end of said passage, said burner means being secured to said second plate in communication with said passage adjacent the forward end thereof and in substantial opposition to said last named connecting means, said burner means depending from said second plate in forwardly spaced relation to said reflector plate means.
 14. The device of claim 11 in which said mounting means comprises an upstanding plate disposed rearwardly of said first plate and having a flange along the upper edge thereof underlying the rearward portion of said first plate and removably fixed thereto, said upstanding mounting plate including a further forwardly extending flange spaced below said first and second plate and means for releasably securing the forward portion thereof to said reflector plate means whereby said mounting plate means releasably carries in forwardly extending cantilever relationship therewith said first and second plate and in forwardly spaced relationship therefrom carries said reflector plate means.
 15. The device of claim 14 including a diffuser holder cantilevered forwardly from said reflector plate means adjacent the lower end thereof and defining an upwardly opening channel-like annulus spaced below said second plate and having an open central portion disposed below said burner means and a diffuser sheet defining said diffuser carried by said diffuser holder in surrounding spaced relation with said burner means and extending upwardly into laterally supported relationship with said second plate, said diffuser sheet being of suitable material and configured for allowing at least a portion of the light provided by said burner means to escape therethrough.
 16. The device of claim 15 in which portions of said diffuser holder, reflector plate means and mounting plate overlap and including means for releasably securing same together to provide cantilevered support for said diffuser holder with respect to said reflecting plate means and for preventing pivotal movement of said reflector plate means and first and second plates with respect to said mounting plate. 